Diane Davis, Gainesville District Customer Service Rep and Leah England, Diane’s Daughter, deliver roses to patients on Valentine’s Day

Recently Diane Davis, Gainesville District customer service representative and her daughter, Leah England, delivered Valentine’s Day roses and snacks to the 120 patients at New Horizon Nursing Facility. Spend a few minutes with Davis and you realize why philanthropy is important to her.

At an early age, Davis learned about the importance of giving and helping others from her parents; she and her siblings would go with their mother to visit less fortunate seniors, often finding that many of them didn’t have anyone visiting them.

Those memories and the example set for Davis are the reasons she and her own family continue the tradition. “I remembered the elderly we visited and saw how much it meant to them, not to mention the reward we felt from the visits,” she said. Once she and her husband, Chris, discussed their idea with the nursing facility staff, they knew that visiting patients would be a way for them to continue to give to others and do something special for them on a special day.

“It only takes a little time, and money if you can. The residents are so happy to see and talk to you, and it brightens up their day, if only for a few minutes,” Davis said. “We often get busy and forget about the elderly, but their smiles, hugs and the gratitude felt are why we do it.”

Davis encourages others to do something similar. “There are a lot of senior citizens in similar situations, and by sharing this story, I hope others will consider doing similar projects. I’d also like to see younger generations join in, just as my children do now and I plan to share the same message with my grandchildren,” concludes Davis.

New Horizons West nursing facility is home to about 120 residents, with varying degrees of symptoms and health care needs. All types of activities and assistance are encouraged, so contact the staff to see how you can get involved.

(Left to right) Channing Martin, Lynn Greene’s granddaughter; Brandy Martin, Greene’s daughter and Lynn Greene, Jackson EMC Operations Clerk, volunteer at the Chick-fil-A Connect Race Series

Jackson EMC employees, including Lynn Greene, corporate operations clerk, and her family took part in the 5K and one mile Chick-fil-A Connect Race Series hosted by First Baptist Church of Commerce. The proceeds from the event were donated to the Northeast Georgia Food Bank.

The Series Race took part in downtown Commerce, with the start/finish line at First Baptist Church. Greene, her daughter Brandy Martin and granddaughter Channing, were volunteers and race attendants, while granddaughter Landry Martin and her father competed in the races.

Greene described the event as a ‘win-win-win-win’ for her and her family. “We’re supporting our church and Chick-fil-A as volunteers, racing money for the Food Bank, spending quality time together as a family and doing so in a healthy environment,” said Greene.

Even though all of the reasons are valid, Greene said the main reason was to raise funds, as a family, for The Food Bank as they work to end hunger.

“When you think about children and families not knowing where their next meal comes from, it’s very sad,” Green said. “I think about my own children and grandchildren and know that it could be any of us; we have so much to be grateful for, so we support this event.”

Other JEMC employees who competed in this year’s run included Dwayne Ansley, director of operations services; Lindsay Darnell, Jefferson District senior customer service representative; Barbara Gooch, corporate receptionist; and Elke Yath, personnel support clerk.

Founded in 1992, the Northeast Georgia Food Bank is a network working to feed the ill, needy, seniors and children of northeast Georgia. They have distributed almost 61 million pounds of food or 47 million meals to northeast Georgia residents who might not know where their next meal will come from.  If you want to lace up your running shoes to compete or get additional race information, visit www.cfaraceseries.com.

Wanda Fitzgerald, Gwinnett District customer service representative, volunteering at the Junior Golfers All-Star Championships, Château Élan

While some spent their Good Friday holiday sleeping in, working around the house or running errands, Wanda Fitzgerald, Gwinnett District customer service representative, spent her day off volunteering with the TaylorMade-Adidas Golf Junior All-Star Championships at Château Élan.

It was a beautiful clear day, but a lot of work was required of the 20+ volunteers in order for the event to be successful. While working another golf tournament, Fitzgerald learned about this event, where is kept up with the scoring of the 138 junior golfers, observed accurate tee-offs and coordinated lunch deliveries to all course volunteers.

“This was a fun event to be involved in and an amazing opportunity to see what great young golfers these boys and girls are,” said Fitzgerald. “Easter is a sign of spring and new life. Giving to others, makes me feel good, so what better way than to give of myself and volunteer.”

She added that golf wasn’t an easy sport and had even tried to play herself. “The payoff for volunteering was worth it. I felt good about being involved and watching the young talented golfers who are already so skilled,” Fitzgerald concluded.

The tournament was part of the American Junior Golf Association tour and participants came from across the United States, including New York, Texas and California, along with their families, friends and spectators.

The American Junior Golf Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf, www.ajga.org. 

SMSgt Brandon Mitchell, Gwinnett Lineman and U. S. Air Force, being greeted by his wife Ginger and their children (from left to right) Aleana, Landon and Jared, at Hartsfield International Airport, Atlanta, returning home after a tour of duty

Hoping to make a better life for himself, Mitchell first joined the USAF when he was 18 years old. He completed his tour of duty after five years and was honorably discharged.

He proceeded with life in general, with his career, marriage, family, etc.; all along, feeling something was missing in his life. He eventually convinced his wife Ginger to let him rejoin the Air Force. “I just missed it,” Mitchell said. “It’s a passion, a sense of fulfillment for me personally and for our country, not to mention the dual training and experience I get since my civilian and military jobs are similar.  I enjoyed it and knew I needed to rejoin.”

Mitchell has now served a combined 14 years, on active duty and in the reserves, and is currently an Electrical Superintendent overseeing high and low voltage generation and distribution, including airfield lighting projects. He has done other assignments throughout the states and overseas, including multiple trips to Afghanistan.

“Brandon sets an example for us all, and we’re proud to support him and his unit,” said Gwinnett District Manager Randy Dellinger.  Mitchell says Jackson EMC has been supportive and resourceful for the men and women of the Air Force, allowing training exercises to take place at cooperative facilities, as well as working with him when he has duty. 

Currently in Alabama, attending the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Mitchell was recently awarded the Bronze Star for his actions and meritorious service in combat.

“Jackson EMC applauds Brandon and thanks him for his service to the country,” Dellinger concluded.

Claire Guined, Jefferson District residential marketing representative, serves on the Board of Directors of Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, recently helped built a Habitat home as part of Women Build.

Women Build is Habitat for Humanity’s program that brings together women from all walks-of-life to build homes. Construction skills or experience aren’t required and building professionals oversee the projects; the focus is that women are doing the building.

Habitat is a nonprofit, Christian organization that is dedicated to providing decent, affordable, safe homes. When asked why she’s involved in this organization, Guined said, “It gives me personal satisfaction of giving back to my community; plus seeing the joy on the faces of a family when they see their new home is priceless.”

This Women Build project allowed for some female bonding, but also taught Claire a new skill. “I’ve helped with the framing of homes, roofing, painting, landscaping, caulking and any other general work that is involved, but with this home, I felt like it was time to tackle something new, the siding,” she added.

Guined encourages others to do something similar. “There are a lot of people with similar needs, and I hope others will get involved. I’d also like to see more women join in and work together for the betterment of others,” she concluded.

Jackson County Habitat is one of only 300 U. S. affiliates approved to participate in Women Build. To find out how you can get involved, visit www.habitat.org or http://jacksoncountyhabitat.homestead.com/.

Elizabeth Zamora, Gainesville District Communications Coordinator and Hall County Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors (in rocking chair) reads to a group of Summer Camp Students

Elizabeth Zamora, Gainesville District communications coordinator, serves on the Boys & Girls Club of Hall County, a place for teens to learn and grow while having fun, Board of Directors.

Zamora is an active board member and her daughter, Emily, attended the Club this summer. “I see what a difference it makes in her life. Not only in the friendships she’s made, but she has learned a lot and even comes home sharing it with me,” Zamora said. “Seeing the positive outcome through Emily has encouraged me to serve on the board as I’m hopeful we’re making a difference in other kid’s lives.”

“The Boys & Girls Clubs invest in the future by investing in our youth,” says Zamora. Unit Director Mark Mendoza added, “The Club enables all young people, especially those in most need, to become well-rounded individuals as we focus on academics, character/citizenship and healthy lifestyles. Without community volunteers and supporters like Elizabeth, it wouldn’t be possible.”

Enriching the lives of approximately 600 kids a day, the Club provides a safe atmosphere offering quality, life-enhancing programs, services and character development experiences offering a wide variety of activities, including recreational sports, the arts, photography and self-defense, to name a few. They also offer after-school programs, field trips, summer camps and course classes.

For more information about the organization and their fundraisers, attend the Future for Kids Gala, an annual event celebrating the spirit and successes of local children and future leaders, http://www.boysgirlsclubs.com/fm/events/detail/id/9/.

Greg “Stretch” Mathis, Jefferson District Service Rep and Stella, boxer-mix rescue, at 2nd Chance Kennel & Dog Park

Considering their love for animals, it’s no wonder Jefferson District Service Representative Greg “Stretch” Mathis and his wife Traci foster dogs at their 2nd Chance Kennel & Dog Park, named after their late and beloved Chihuahua, Chance. At 2nd Chance, they house medium and large size dogs until the Humane Society of Jackson County (HSJC) finds permanent homes for the pets.

After grieving Chance’s loss and later adopting Zoey, a Chihuahua mix, they decided that fostering pets would be their way of contributing to the community they’d lived in for more than forty years. “We love dogs and have no children of our own, so it just seemed like a natural fit,” Mathis said.

Stretch serves on the Humane Society’s rescue team, but his true calling is actually being with the pets. They’ve built multiple holding areas, giving each pet a place to run, play, sleep and eat, including an area similar to a doggie confidence course.  Though 2nd Chance looks and feels like a permanent home, the Mathis’ have already fostered five dogs that have found their forever homes and have three now.

“Since we don’t have a brick and mortar Humane Society facility in the area yet, our foster families give rescues a safe home and even help them become better pets and more adoptable,” said Roxane Rose, president of the HSJC. “Some people are hesitant to try fostering because it’s easy to grow attached to a rescue and it can be hard to let them go; but helping them find their forever home feels amazing and that’s what the Mathis’ are doing.”

Stretch encourages others to get involved. “There are a lot of pets in need of a home, temporarily or permanent, and they can’t speak for themselves. By sharing this story, I hope others will consider supporting their local Humane Societies. It’s harder to let them go once they’re adopted, but we have comfort in knowing they’ve found their permanent home” concludes Mathis.

To learn how you can get involved with the Humane Society of Jackson County, visit www.hsjc.com or the local agency in your county.

(center), Rotary Club of Banks County (RCBC) President Elect Todd Hubbard, Tech Services Supervisor, Jackson EMC; (left of Hubbard) Sallie Hensley, RCBC Treasurer with Banks County Middle School’s Interact Club students packing food bags

Tech Services Metering Supervisor Todd Hubbard, is President-Elect for the Rotary Club of Banks County (RCBC), 2013-2014 and one of their signature programs is Foods 2 Kids.

The civic club, established four years ago, sponsors several annual projects, with focus on bridging the gaps for the less fortunate county citizens, regardless of age. Their Foods 2 Kids program does just that, as they supply food to the less fortunate students of the Banks County school system. Sacks of food are handed out every week to children identified by school teachers, counselors and officials as being most in need.

“Our mission statement is ‘Service above Self’, and the young people of Banks County are a primary focus,” says Hubbard. “They have enough to worry about these days without wondering where their next meal will come from, when outside the classroom.” 

“Economic hardships have devastated families the last few years,” adds Holly Koochel, Banks County School System’s social worker and Foods 2 Kids coordinator. “Parents are doing their best with what they have, but is not always enough when dealing with the rising cost of fuel, groceries and household needs. I’ve witnessed the kids picking up their food bags, and they know the importance of them for their families. They don’t care about the latest tech devices, coolest shoes or even new clothes. They’re concerned about the survival of their families.”

“Todd is always willing and steps-up when he’s called upon, especially in Banks County where he’s a native and resident,” Jefferson District Manager Scott Martin said. Hubbard said that the young people are the county’s future and one of the most rewarding aspects is the strengthening of relationships between the community, schools’ staff and students, as they work together for a better county.

The school system has been involved with the Food 2 Kids program for over a year.  In that short amount of time, the program has provided more than 10,000 healthy meals to their students.  It cost approximately $260 to feed a student for an entire school year.  The program is funded by the Rotary Club, fundraising events, Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and public donations.

To learn more, contact Sallie Hensley, Rotary Club of Banks County Treasurer at shensley@ddsga.com.

Wanda Fitzgerald, Gwinnett District customer service representative, with Chloe Akridge at Light the Night event in Athens, Ga

Since 2011, Wanda Fitzgerald, Gwinnett District customer service representative, has walked in the Light the Night event honoring family and friends who are battling or have lost their battle against cancer.

The annual nationwide fundraising walk celebrates and commemorates lives affected by cancer. Proceeds are donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and used for research, patient services and education.

The Light the Night event begins with family-oriented activities, music and refreshments, then the walk starts as the sun goes down.  Participants walk a 3-mile route through downtown Athens, Ga, carrying illuminated balloons, bringing light to the dark world of cancer. 
Fitzgerald carried a red balloon in support of the event and a white balloon to honor friends, Stacey and Ray Akridge’s daughter, Chloe.  Chloe was born with Down’s syndrome and diagnosed with Leukemia when she was two years old.

At this year’s event, Chloe, now six years old, was one of the honored heroes for her cancer remission.  “The smile on Chloe’s face throughout the walk, and afterwards when she was on stage as a survivor, was worth every cent raised and the time spent gathering donations,” Fitzgerald said.  Wanda also carried a gold balloon in memory of other loved ones who lost their battle with cancer. 

Team Chloe raised nearly $2,000, and the event night in Athens raised over $115,000.00. “Any time I participate in events like this, it warms my heart, reminds me of what others may be going through and leaves me feeling good about my involvement,” said Wanda. 

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, as well as improving the quality of life of patients and their families. For more information, visit www.lls.org/ga. 

(left to right), Neese District’s Jason Bond, service rep; Ken Gordon, service rep; Darlene Hatfield, guest participant; Brian Smith, staking technician; Colt Holloway, participant and son of David Holloway, line foreman at the Commerce chapter’s Outdoors Without Limits event

Although a tragedy led a group of Neese District employees to participate in the Outdoors Without Limits’ (OWL) annual Northeast Georgia Ultimate Adventure Deer Hunt, it’s become a tradition for Line Foreman David Holloway, his 21 year old son, Colt and co-workers.

In 2006, Colt was injured in an accident which left him wheelchair bound. Knowing the family’s situation and their enjoyment of the outdoors, a friend told them about OWL, which provides a safe environment for those with disabilities to do the things they’d be doing under normal circumstances.

Seven years of participation have given Colt, and many others, the opportunity to participate in their favorite hobbies and the ability to meet others with similar situations as they travel to other hunts. “Seeing Colt hunt and take part in outdoor activities is invaluable,” says Holloway. “We didn’t want a wheelchair or any other obstacle keeping him from doing things he enjoyed prior to his accident.”

The Comer, Ga., event has grown from 15 to more than 100 participants. The organizers adhere to safety rules and regulations and meet requirements for the disabled, including manpower. Friends and co-workers volunteer as guides, taking disabled guests out for the two- day adventure. The guys say that the event is as rewarding for them as it is for the disabled participants. “It’s so much more than hunting, and it doesn’t matter whether a deer is bagged or not,” Holloway said. “The relationships built and the camaraderie formed is priceless.” 

Neese District Manager Jean Mullis encourages others to get involved. “There are a lot of people in similar situations. Our guys spend their time, knowledge and money helping the less fortunate participate in activities they enjoy doing themselves,” she said. “They work together as a team, on the job and off.”

Outdoors Without Limits is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness and teamwork between disabled and non-disabled individuals through an assortment of outdoor recreational opportunities. For more information, fundraisers and ways you can be involved, visit www.OutdoorsWithoutLimits.net.

(left to right) Representing Jackson EMC: Lynn Greene, Ganella Bolden, Crystal Baldwin, Lynn Potts and Beth Gordon; (kneeling) Sherri Ring with Linda Foster, left, Jackson County Family Connection Executive Director. Back row, Dee Lavender, Karen Bouchard and diAna Huckins volunteering.

While in years past, Jefferson District and Corporate employees and/or departments have separately participated in the annual Jackson County Family Connection Christmas program, this year, a team of ladies spearheaded a Jefferson/Corporate toy drive for the county’s holiday store. 

Sherri Ring, engineering and operations department secretary; Tabitha Wascher, engineering technician; Barbara Gooch, contact center representative; and Ganella Bolden, Jefferson district secretary decided there would be strength in numbers, and that by pooling efforts, more families and children would be served than in previous years. “Opening up the campaign to the full campus also gave the employees an opportunity to work together” said Ring.

The Engineering & Operations Department had previously adopted families, while other groups purchased gifts for the holiday store.  “This year, it was a team effort form the beginning,” Ring added. “From gathering boxes, decorating them, making and hanging signs, posting internal messages, contributing and even transporting our contributions.  It took many employees to make the drive a success.” 

Collecting items for the store also gave the employees a variety of ways they could contribute. Some shopped for gifts, while others contributed their time or funds, offering multiple ways to participate.

Another team of employees, spearheaded by Christy Queen, marketing resource specialist, adopted a family.  “Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and feeling the family’s gratitude is rewarding and humbling,” added Queen.

Other participating employees included: Dwayne Ansley, director of operations; Crystal Baldwin, marketing department secretary; Ken Brand, director of technical services; Brittany Caison, commercial and industrial engineering; Claire Guined, Jefferson District marketing representative; Todd Hubbard, metering supervisor; Bonnie Jones, director of public relations and communications; Kay Parks, public/community relations rep; Stephen Poole, apparatus and load management supervisor; Lynn Potts, purchasing clerk; Jim Smith, vice president of engineering and operations; Roy Stowe, vice president of marketing and member relations; and Chase Watson, courier.

Jackson County Family Connection is a collaborative organization that works with businesses, agencies, schools and other individuals for the betterment of children and families in Jackson County. Executive Director Linda Foster said this year’s Christmas campaign served 425 families, 1,150 children in the county. To get involved, visit www.jcfamilyconnection.com.

(back row, right) Brenda Medrano, contact center bilingual representative, with members of Ms. Eubanks’ 2nd grade class at Commerce Elementary School enjoying Grinch face paintings

By her own description, Brenda Medrano may not be the June Cleaver-type mother, but the contact center bilingual representative and Commerce Elementary School volunteer helped students celebrate Christmas in style when she did Grinch face paintings as part of her son’s holiday party.
 

The mother of two, college student and community volunteer is extremely creative, crafty and giving of her time and talents. Brenda sings, makes crafts, jewelry, woodwork and face paints, to name a few of her favorite hobbies she shares with her children, their classmates and others.
 

Like most parents, Brenda received a flyer telling parents about upcoming school activities and ways they could volunteer. When face painting was on her son’s list, knowing her family’s love for the Grinch, there was no doubt what Brenda would volunteer to do.
 

“Face painting makes Brandon, my nine year old son, happy and he loves the Grinch,” Brenda says. “Being busy and wearing multiple hats, I look for creative ways to spend quality time with my children, especially with Brandon because he has autism.”
 

Health issues run in her family and are not new to Brenda. One of her older brothers suffers from epilepsy. “God blessed me with family members who’ve been diagnosed with such diseases as these; I think it makes me who I am,” Brenda added. She says she was taught to work with what she has and that’s what she’s doing – sharing her time and talents.
 

To learn more about autism, visit www.austismspeaks.org.  
 

Joy Knight, department/district secretary, recently hosted the first of five blood drives she will schedule for the Gwinnett District this year.  Annually, ARC volunteers arrive at the district office for the county drive, as members of the community and employees are invited to donate.  Jackson EMC has participated in American Red Cross (ARC) programs since 1965.  

Knight mentioned that some of the employees have given blood for decades. “Donating to the ARC is extremely important because they help so many people in so many ways,” said Knight. “We’ve all grown up knowing the importance of the ARC’s services, especially in times of tragedy.”

Seventeen donors participated in the event, including Gwinnett District Customer Service Representative Larry Carswell, Line Foreman Jamie Harward and Bi-lingual Customer Service Representative Iris Virella-Negron. 

“It’s an easy way to do something for others,” says Randy Dellinger, district manager. “We offer a suitable location and help recruit donors; the American Red Cross does the rest.” Knighted added that it’s a partnership where everyone wins!

The district’s next drive is April 17th.  Visit www.redcross.org to learn more about the American Red Cross. 

Looking to fill a void after the loss of her father, Sheconda Benton, help desk analyst, has been a mentor with Jackson County’s Lindsay’s Legacy since 2007.

The mother of two girls knew she wanted to be a community volunteer, and that she had experience with young people and youth programs through her church and as a March of Dimes volunteer. She also knew that becoming a mentor could make a difference in a child’s life. 

“Sheconda Benton is a mentoring rockstar!  She’s logged more than 200 hours bringing encouragement to young people in our local schools,” says Lisa Stephens, executive director, Lindsay’s Legacy. “She has made an impact in the lives of the students she serves. She’s a shining example of a dedicated volunteer who consistently cares about the well-being of youth in her community.” 

When Benton was matched with her current mentee, she hadn’t expected a young male student, since she’d previously mentored females. She was matched with mentee Timothy, a third grader at the time. Four years later, she continued to help guide his personal and academic success through mentoring and friendship. 

Benton said their relationship is important to both of their lives. “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to provide him with what he deserved, since I’ve primarily worked with females,” she said. Unlike many mentee-mentor relationships, this pair primarily concentrates on activities outside the classroom. “Timothy has folks who concentrate on his education and the importance of school so we decided that we both needed a friend - someone to play video or board games with, or to draw or go outside and play - taking a break from school and work duties,” she added.

Other employees who are active members of Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring program include Christy Queen, marketing resource specialist and Joe Hicks, senior commercial/industrial marketing rep, both members of the Board of Directors; and mentors Lori McCutcheon, engineer 1 projects, and Jonathan Weaver, power requirement/project engineer.

For more information about Lindsay’s Legacy and mentoring, visit www.LindsaysLegacyMentoring.org.

The Jackson County’s 2014 American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life (RfL) campaign is in full swing. As part of the annual theme, Teamin’ Up Against Cancer, the Jefferson/Corporate District’s employees held their annual Easter Basket raffle and Bar-be-que Luncheon.

Committee Co-Chairs Renee Domer, corporate accountant and Ivan Cox, load management technician, along with the 25 member team, served pulled pork BBQ, stew, chips, bread, drinks and desserts. They also held a silent auction of an assortment of Easter Baskets, raising more than $2,000.  

“More than a million people in the United States get cancer annually; it spares none,” says Domer. “Everyone has had family members or friends, or may even have had it themselves, like some of our employees and retirees.”

The American Cancer Society and Relay for Life teams raise money in the fight to help find a cure for cancer. The team will continue their efforts, participating in Relay for Life Walk Night in May and a Charity Bike Ride in June.  The team includes employees, family members and friends, and their goal is to raise $10,000.

“These teams work hard and give so freely of their time and resources. Everyone has had an encounter with cancer at one time or another, or they know someone who has,” says Scott Martin, Jefferson District manager.

“I’m grateful to everyone who helps in any way. Since Jackson County’s first Relay in 1994, eight months after my surgery, money raised has funded research that has led to progress in finding a cure.  Without it, I wouldn’t be a 20 year survivor,” added Jefferson District Marketing Member Services Representative Claire Guined.

Team members and contributors agreed that the most rewarding part, aside from raising money for a cure, truly is the camaraderie they build with their team members and fellow participants.

For more details on how you can get involved, help fund research and contribute to the fight against cancer, visit www.cancer.org.

As they jumped over fire pits, waded through huge mud holes and faced many more challenging obstacles, a group of Neese District employees and family members took part in the Blue Ridge Camp, Mountain City, Georgia leg of the Warrior Dash - all to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® .

Participant Darren Bradberry, journeyman lineman, decided to organize a team and asked co-workers if they’d like to participate. “Spontaneously, we said, ‘Sure, we’ll do it’,” said Lisa Fortson, customer service representative. “Only later, Mayra Velez (bi-lingual customer service representative) and I learned what we’d agreed to. Participants conquer obstacles, leap fire, climb walls and crawl through the mud at the Dash, but the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® fight the real battles.”

The Warrior Dash is the ultimate event for thrill-seeking athletes who also want to support worthwhile causes. This 5k race, 3.2 mile course, is held on the most demanding and unique terrains in multiple locations around the world.

In addition to testing fitness levels while having fun with family and friends, Warrior Dash participants raised funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly childhood diseases.

Once the intense course is complete, Warriors (participants) celebrate their feat with their teammates, thousands of new fellow warriors and mud, from head to toe. 

Neese District employees and family members who participated in 2014 Warrior Dash event were Tommy Minish, journeyman lineman, and wife Kori; Mayra Velez, bi-lingual customer service representative, brother Edgar and family friend Brenda Morales; Lisa Fortson, customer service representative; Troy Colley, journeyman lineman and son-in-law Cody Youngblood; Ken Gordon, service representative; Brian Smith, staking technician; Dwayne Dickerson, journeyman lineman, and daughter Alexa; Darren Bradberry, journeyman lineman and wife Donna; and David Holloway, line foreman. Corporate employees Christy Queen, marketing resource specialist, and Barbara Gooch, contact center representative, also participated.

To learn more about becoming a St. Jude Warrior, visit www.WarriorDash.com.

While many of us enjoy our lunch break or run errands, Barbara Gooch, contact center representative, delivers hot lunches to elderly persons living in Jackson County, a part of the County’s Senior Center program. She started delivering the weekly meals nearly 25 years ago through her church program in which she was also instrumental in starting.

Though the name is different, the nutrition program for frail or elderly persons living in the county operates like Meals on Wheels.  Approximately 125 seniors receive hot lunches delivered by friendly volunteers Monday through Friday.  For some seniors, this daily visit may be the only social interaction they have during the day.  The volunteers can also let the Senior Center staff know when clients have other social service needs, like non-working smoke detectors or an unnumbered mailbox.

“The residents are so happy to see and talk to you, and it brightens up their day, if only for a few minutes,” says Gooch. “We often get busy and if I had time, I’d sit and talk to these folks for hours. Their stories are priceless, and I believe I get as much out of it as they do.”

“The example Barbara sets is noticed by all she comes in contact with,” said Aileen Crane, contact center supervisor. “She’s a devoted servant to her community and others, and she never seems to tire.”

Gooch encourages others to get involved. “There are a lot of programs and volunteer needs, and I hope others will consider helping similar programs,” she concludes.

For ways you can get volunteer or get involved in helping senior citizens, visit your local county website or office, for Jackson County, visit http://www.jacksoncountygov.com.

While many celebrate July 4th with cookouts and family vacations, Rodney Chandler, building maintenance technician, could be found at the Banks County Goat Show, an event he’s participated in for the past six years.

At an early age, Chandler learned about the importance of farming and livestock, and he has helped instill the same values in his own children.

When asked about the goat show in particular, Chandler said it started about 10 years ago when he arrived home one day, only to find a goat that his father-in-law had gotten his son. Since the families had shown livestock in past generations, this was a way to get the family back in the ring.

From the shows, they were introduced to the Northeast Georgia Goat Producers Association (NGGPA), and as Chandler says, “The rest is history as for his involvement with the organization.”

As with most activities our children are involved in, Chandler saw the need to take an active role in the annual event. “With these shows, we’re raising and teaching children that showing livestock teaches responsibility and sportsmanship,” he said.

Despite his dedication to the show, Chandler stresses that it isn’t about him. “It’s about the young people and the livestock since they’re the next generation,” he says. This event is unique because it showcases 135 goats shown by 88 youth, three to 12 years old, plus 10 pee wee exhibitors, children under six years of age.

Chandler hopes that sharing his story encourages others to get involved. “There’s a lot of livestock activities, and agriculture is a huge component of our economy. I like seeing the younger generations involved, just as my children are,” concludes Chandler.

The NGGPA is a non-profit corporation that brings together a diverse group of goat producers ranging from the backyard enthusiast to large scale commercial owners and breeders in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Learn more at www.negagoats.org or www.facebook.com/NEGGPA.

Melanie Berryman, Neese District secretary and M.A.R.T. Life Enrichment Action Team committee member, along with Karin Morris, customer service representative (rep); Mayra Velez, bi-lingual customer service rep; Randall Echols, custodian; and Alex Goldman, Jefferson District customer service rep, volunteered at the 10th Annual Madison Area Resource Team (M.A.R.T.)/ Family Connection Back-to-School Supply Drive and the Life Enrichment Action Team’s Back-to-School Rally, an event for low-income families.

Volunteers helped purchase, sort and bag school supplies before the event, and they helped set up, direct guests, hand out supplies to the students and serve the families. Providing as many as 500 students with school supplies and feeding as many as 600 people, including parents/guardians, the event included a hot dog dinner and family enrichment information booths.  

“Serving our Jackson EMC members for nearly 30 years has been gratifying, but the added opportunities for serving the community has been extremely rewarding,” Berryman said. The M.A.R.T was originally formed as various leaders of the community gathered to create collaboration and to prevent service duplication, including area churches, local businesses and individuals. “It was interesting to meet many of our members, see them in a different setting and to help them under different circumstances other than in the office,” added Velez.

“We’re proud that our employees are committed to enriching our environment and enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve,” stated Jean Mullis, Neese District manager.

To find out how you can get involved, contact the Madison County Family Connection office in Danielsville or visit them online at http://madison.gafcp.org/.